Missing cat or missing owner?!

I've been feeding a stray cat for 2 weeks (much to my two boys dismay). It's so thin and frail. I've tried asking neighbours, posting on the Facebook community page and writing a paper collar (but no one removed the collar or rang my number).

It has fleas and possibly worms. It eats more like a horse than a tiny cat.

I've been waiting to have a day off work so I could take it to the vet to see if it has a chip.

Finally I got the chance today.

So the good news is that the cat had a chip. The bad news is that the chip was unregistered.

With some hard work from the vets, they managed to find out who implanted the chip and cross checked it with their diary of appointments and their records to find an owner. How they managed that is beyond me! Cat's name is Charlotte. 😸

They live about 30 minutes drive away. This poor little cat has done some miles!

More bad news, they cannot get hold of the owner.

My details have been taken. Charlotte is home with me, well outside anyway. They said if they don't get back to me by the end of the week, to call back.

My issue is that this Charlotte needs treatment. I'm debating whether or not to go and buy a cheap flea collar to tide her over, as much as I hate collars and don't think they're very effective. Surely better than nothing?

I have stronghold in the house, but it says for cats between 2.6 and 7.5 kg. She is feather light, like a kitten. And weighs maybe slightly more than a bag of sugar so less than that. Do you think it would be harmful to her? I could pop to PAH and see if they have anything for smaller cats?

Did you get the address, can you just go round and see if hte owners are there?I'd be wary of treating somebody else's cat... there may be a reason they haven't flead her, like that she has another conditions you don't know about and would react badly

She weighs more than 2.6. A few weeks ago I picked up a cat that was on the point of death from starvation, she had to be put on a drip and it was touch and go whether or not she would make it (she did). She weighed 2.3 kg the day I picked her up and she felt incredibly light.

Oh op you are amazing and what a lovely cat, I assume she is friendly? Not sure if I missed it but have you spoken to animal shelters they may offer treatment or house her temporarily. It does seem mad you have to wait until the end of the week a you can't get treatment. Let us know what happens with Charlotte. Can I ask why someone would deregister a chip?

@rupertpenryswife I haven't spoken with any shelters, but the vets did recommend some for if the owners don't come forward.

I must admit, I do feel like it's my responsibility to get her home or at least care for her. I'm just trying to do my best.

I don't think the chip was de-registered. It sounded like it was never actually registered in the first place? Possibly a mistake or they didn't save the information? I don't work in animal care so I'm not sure how it works.